Fleet managers frustrated by ‘dirty diesel’ claims

Diesel vehicles have an unfair reputation for producing harmful emissions, according to a survey of 500 fleet managers by the AA and BT Fleet Solutions.

The Operational Fleet Insight Report 2018 suggests high levels of frustration with “anti-diesel rhetoric”, especially among managers who see cleaner diesel vehicles as an effective way of meeting the clean air agenda.

While 35 per cent of fleet managers expect to be using electric vehicles in the next five years, most are also dubious about the feasibility of such models for long-haul journeys or heavy goods.

“It’s now time for government, local councils and manufacturers to step up the quality of support they provide to fleet managers, particularly SMEs,” said Jennie Hill, director of business services at the AA.

“New technologies like electric vehicles are expensive. Unless these costs are mitigated up-front, only the largest fleets will be able to benefit from low-emission vehicles. Until fleet managers are reassured of this, cleaner diesel will continue to be regarded as the best form of compromise,” she said.

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